BSc (Hons) Mathematics with a Foundation Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- G10F
- Typical Offer
- CCC.
- Contextual Offer
- CDD
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
As mathematics is one of the most fundamental academic disciplines, we believe it is crucial that higher mathematics education is available to anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of it.
Our BSc Mathematics Foundation Year course is designed to give you access to a degree in mathematics without having to meet our traditional entry requirements – whether you’re a mature student looking for a career change or to get deeper into a lifelong passion, or someone leaving education without the A levels you need to go straight into a degree.
Your Mathematics Foundation Year will focus on the essential concepts, techniques and knowledge you’ll need to study mathematics at a higher level. You will also take optional introductory modules in computing, chemistry, or physics.
On successfully completing the Foundation Year you will automatically continue on to the full BSc Mathematics degree.
This degree begins with a year of compulsory modules in a range of fundamental mathematical topics, before moving onto more advanced subjects as the course progresses. In later years, our optional modules mean you can tailor your studies around your particular interests. You can even take optional modules from other Schools, like the School of Environmental Sciences, the School of Computing Sciences or the Norwich Business school.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Once you have successfully completed the Foundation Year, you have the option of switching to either our BSc Mathematics with a Placement Year degree or our BSc Mathematics and Statistics degree if you wish.
Subject to academic performance, you may also be able to switch to one of our MMath degree programmes later in your degree. The different options are:
Study and Modules
Structure
Half of the modules you’ll study in your Foundation Year will focus entirely on mathematics. We’ll introduce you to fundamental theorems, standard notation, and core themes like algebra and calculus. The compulsory modules will be supplemented by a choice of optional modules in other related sciences, such as physics, computing and chemistry, so you’ll gain an insight into other disciplines that use mathematical techniques too.
Complete your Foundation Year successfully and you’ll move onto our three-year BSc Mathematics course. The degree programme will build on the mathematical knowledge you will have developed in your Foundation Year, before introducing you to more advanced concepts that will be developed throughout the course.
Compulsory Modules
OPTIONS RANGE A
(Credits: 60)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes and workshops, where you’ll focus on working through examples, either individually or in small groups.
Depending on the modules you chose, you will probably have between nine and 12 contact hours each week, with a mix of lectures, workshops, and labs.
Individual Study
To succeed at university-level mathematics, you need to spend at least as much time on individual study as you spend in classes and workshops. Working through your lecture notes and trying the exercises set will be vital to fully understanding the mathematics.
Feedback and Support
We offer a wide range of feedback and assistance to our students. Written feedback is provided on coursework, and verbal feedback and support is provided in our regular workshops. Also, each lecturer has at least two office hours available each week, giving you the chance to discuss material in more detail, or to get face-to-face feedback on exercises you’ve attempted.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module. Many of the foundation year modules are assessed solely by coursework, which might include problem sheets, exercises and/or assessed labs. Some modules, including the compulsory “Advanced Mathematics” module, also include a written examination. For those modules the split is typically 30% coursework and 70% examination.
Structure
The first year of the BSc degree will develop your existing knowledge in calculus and other topics which you may have covered at A level, such as mechanics and probability. Modules on computation, mathematical skills, and how to present mathematical arguments will encourage you to develop ways of tackling unfamiliar problems, while also providing an opportunity for group working.
Modules on algebra and analysis will introduce important new concepts and ideas, which you will use in following years. In addition, you’ll be introduced to mathematical software, that you are going to use throughout your degree.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes, workshops and tutorials. In tutorials you’ll discuss mathematical problems with your academic adviser and around six other students. They’re a great way to get to know your fellow students and your academic adviser, who will be there to guide you throughout your degree.
In your first year you’ll have around 15 hours of timetabled classes per week: approximately 10 hours of lectures, four hours of workshops or computer lab classes, and one tutorial.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module. Many of the foundation year modules are assessed solely by coursework, which might include problem sheets, exercises and/or assessed labs. Some modules, including the compulsory “Advanced Mathematics” module, also include a written examination. For those modules the split is typically 30% coursework and 70% examination.
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 1, modules typically combine 40% coursework and 60% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
As you progress into your second year, you’ll continue to learn essential mathematical principles through compulsory modules, while also taking a selection of optional modules to suit your personal interests.
The optional modules on offer change each year, but include options to study further topics in applied mathematics, pure mathematics, statistics, physics, finance, or environmental science.
Compulsory Modules
OPTIONS RANGE A
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)OPTIONS RANGE B
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
New material will usually be delivered through lectures. The lectures are complemented by online notes and workshops, where you’ll focus on working through examples, either individually or in small groups.
In your second year, you will have around 10 hours of lectures and three hours workshops each week.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 2, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks.
Structure
There are no compulsory modules in the final year. Instead, we offer a wide choice of optional modules covering topics in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics. As in Year 2, you are also able to study mathematics-related subjects from another School within UEA.
You will also have the option to undertake an undergraduate mathematics project, which will give you a chance to immerse yourself in a mathematical topic that enthuses you.
OPTIONS RANGE A
(Min Credits: 60, Max Credits: 100)OPTIONS RANGE B
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 60)OPTIONS RANGE C
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
The specialist modules offered in your final year will be lectured by leading mathematicians in their fields. As well as teaching, our academics are actively involved in research collaborations with colleagues throughout the world, examples from which will be used to illustrate lectures and workshops.
In your final year, your formal contact hours will be slightly reduced reflecting your increased independence, and there will be increased emphasis on using the office hours of your lecturers for individual feedback and guidance. Depending on module choices, you will probably have between about eight and 12 hours of lectures and workshops each week.
Assessment
Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 3, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks. The optional project module is assessed by the submission of a 20-page written report and the delivery of a short oral presentation. Assessment methods vary by module, but usually involve a mix of coursework and examinations. In Year 3, modules typically combine 20% coursework and 80% examination. Coursework usually involves problem sheets of mathematical questions, but may also include project work, programming assignments, and/or other tasks. The optional project module is assessed by the submission of a 20-page written report and the delivery of a short oral presentation.
Entry Requirements
- A Levels
- CCC.
- T Levels
- Obtain an overall Pass including a C in the core of the T Level and a Pass in the Occupational Specialism.
- BTEC
- MMM. See below for accepted subjects and combinations.
- Contextual Offer
A Level – CDD
BTEC L3 Extended Diploma – MMP
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Scottish Highers
- BBCCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Scottish Advanced Highers
- DDD. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- 6 subjects at H4.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Pass the Access to HE Diploma with 45 credits at Level 3.
- International Baccalaureate
- 28 points.
- GCSE
You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or 6 and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
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- Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Hub. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required, the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Intakes
This course is open to UK applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
Additional Information or Requirements
Extended Diploma: MMM.
Diploma: MM plus C at A-Level.
Extended Certificate: M plus CC at A-Level.
We welcome applications from students with non-traditional academic backgrounds. If you have been out of study for the last three years and you do not have the entry grades for our three-year degree, we will consider your educational and employment history, along with your personal statement and reference to gain a holistic view of your suitability for the course. You will still need to meet our GCSE English Language and Mathematics requirements.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, or are taking a combination of qualifications, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
There are no additional course fees or related costs for our mathematics degrees. Students may wish to consult text books, but these can be accessed through our Library, so you do not need to purchase your own copies. A laptop or tablet computer may be useful, but there are ample computing facilities available on campus for you to use.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
After the Course
There are many professions that are traditionally associated with mathematics, such as accountancy, banking and finance, statistics and data analysis, and secondary or higher education.
However, there are many others in which logical thought and problem-solving are important. These include information technology, engineering, logistics and distribution, central or local government, as well as other business areas. Many of our graduates also choose to continue their studies by going on to a higher degree.
The School of Mathematics works together with the University’s Careers Service to offer support to students at every stage of their course, from finding paid or voluntary work opportunities and choosing a career, through to applying for graduate jobs.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Recent graduates have gone on to become:
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Data scientist
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Pension modeller
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Mathematical modeller in industry
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Secondary school teacher
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Accountant
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Researcher
Discover more on our Careers webpages.